Yes, I am back talking about books again. It is (one of ) my favorite topic(s). I said that my "theme" for this year is Simplifying so this was the PERFECT book to read at the start of the year. (I also knew I would be reading it soon when I chose my theme so....).
I don't remember how I first came across Grace, Not Perfection last spring but I read it and loved it (review, favorite reads of 2017). I had never heard of Emily Ley but apparently she makes a well-known planner (well, not that well known, I had never heard of it). So she knows a little something about keeping things organized. So when I saw she was writing a new book, A Simplified Life: Tactical Tools for Intentional Living, I immediately added it to my TBR. And then later my Christmas list.
This book breaks down simplifying your life into nine parts: space, style, meals, schedule, finances, hospitality, technology, self, motherhood, and faith. Those might not all apply to you but most of them probably apply to most of us. She walks through each category, her methods, gives blank spaces to write about your thoughts, and how you can simplify.
There is no magic answer: this is how you simplify and organize your life! But there is no easy solution to that problem. It takes time. It takes work. It might take some painful decisions. But the end result should be worth all of that.
She suggests figuring out your problem areas (like that lovely witching hour between supper and bedtime for kids) and addressing it, seeing it from a new angle so it's not painful for everyone involved.
Or maybe you hate menu planning and figuring out what to feed your family every night. So put it on a schedule: Taco Tuesdays, Pizza Fridays, etc. Have a list made up for the things you ALWAYS buy at the store (milk, fruit, cereal, etc.) and start your list from there.
Maybe you are overwhelmed by all the kids STUFF. Toys, clothes, artwork. Get rid of it (maybe with your kids' permission, depending on their age) but also, I've taken stuff away from Luke and he hasn't noticed for MONTHS. Usually not until he sees it in the garage sale pile and then all of a sudden it's his FAVORITE thing EVER. Even though he hasn't seen it in 8 months. If your kid is like mine, they usually play with a handful of favorites anyways.
And it helps to have "permission" to get rid of things like artwork (and my kid is a prolific artist). I can't keep everything, that would insane. So I keep the best and favorite and go through it every few months to narrow it down more. I like seeing his skills grow but I don't need every piece of paper he's scribbled on.
There are ways to deal with these problems so they don't become completely overwhelming, especially when you have to do them near daily. I don't think anyone is going to make all these changes for you, you have to get in and do the dirty work. But there is peace and, yes, simplicity on the other side.
It was a very easy book to read and so pretty. She clearly has a background in design (or is paying someone who does). It looks pretty when you read it and on the shelf. Which has nothing to do with the content but I do appreciate a pretty book.
I so enjoyed starting off my year of simplifying by reading a book that walked me through so many important areas of my life. I have plans to go through every cupboard, closet, and drawer in our house by the end of the month to find what we can live without. I know I'll find plenty. And then it's onto some of the harder areas but I feel like this book gives me a starting place for the year. And I'm very excited to have a "simplified life".
Goodreads | Amazon
Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on a product link, I’ll receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for helping support this blog!
No comments:
Post a Comment